Kathmandu is one of the craziest cities I have ever travelled to, and if you are heading to Nepal, it’s basically unavoidable. With over 300 properties available, it can be overwhelming to know where to stay in Kathmandu.
That’s exactly why I created a list of the best hostels in Kathmandu. This article breaks down the top hostels in Kathmandu based on your interests, so you can travel with confidence, and focus on what matters – experiencing the incredible city of Kathmandu!
To get a real good idea of this crazy city and what it has to offer, you need to ensure that you position yourself in a hostel that has a great location, great facilities, and most importantly, a great price!
Quick answer: The best hostels in Kathmandu
- Overall Best Hostel in Kathmandu – Alobar1000
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Kathmandu – Zostel Kathmandu
- Best Cheap Hostel in Kathmandu – Wander Thirst Backpacker Hostel
- Best Hostel for Couples in Kathmandu – Hotel Ganesh Himal
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Kathmandu – Shangrila Boutique Hotel
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What to look for to find the best hostels in Kathmandu
Obviously the ‘best’ anything is completely subjective, but when it comes to hostels there’s a few important things to take into consideration.
- Location – Kathmandu is an enormous city with poor public transit. If you are looking for a specific thing to do in Kathmandu (ie, trekking, or visiting temples) consider something close to your desired activity. I’d recommend finding a hostel near Thamel. Yes, it’s super touristy, loud and crazy, but you’ll be centrally located and able to get around easier.
- Price – By backpacking standards, Kathmandu is super cheap, which is why Nepal is one of the best bang-for-your-buck-countries. While there are a few expensive options, you won’t have to worry too much about spending a ton of money on accommodation anywhere in Nepal (which is why it’s not always a terrible idea to splurge here a bit).
- Amenities – With such cheap prices in Nepal as a whole, pinching a penny isn’t always as necessary as say Japan. The good news though it that a large majority of hostels in Kathmandu offer some sort of free Nepalese breakfast. Unfortunately, Wifi connections tend to be poor.
The Best Hostels in Kathmandu
Backpacking Kathmandu is only a blast when you find the right place to stay. So check out these highly reviewed hostels in Kathmandu. I separated them into different categories so you could see which cater to your specific needs so you can travel to Kathmandu with confidence!
Alobar1000 – Best Overall Hostel in Kathmandu
While it’s missing some freebies, Alobar1000 is without a doubt one of the best hostels in Kathmandu because of one factor – it’s atmosphere. If you feel that Kathmandu is missing a proper hostel-vibe, Alobar1000 will fill that void. Boasting a rooftop bar, it calls itself home to many travelers, making it one of the best hostels for solo travelers in Kathmandu.
327 Thamel Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Kathmandu
327 Thamel Hostel is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu for solo travelers. Boasting a well-reviewed cafe on the ground floor (that serves Korean food!) this hostel is setup to help connect travelers. Travelers have reviewed the hostel as extremely clean, but for the price I wish they would include breakfast.
Wander Thirst Backpacker Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Kathmandu
Well reviewed and a ton of fun, Wander Thirst Backpacker Hostel is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu for solo travelers. This is because of their long list of activities offered, from yoga, meditation, fire dancing to camping trips – they have it all! Meeting people and having a good time is super easy, and the dorms are modern and clean. Highly recommended.
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View on Osprey View on REIHotel Ganesh Himal – Best Hostel for Couples in Kathmandu
Yes, technically it’s a hotel and it’s a bit expensive, but it’s also really, really, really, nice. A staple feature in Lonely Planet, Hotel Ganish Himal brings a bit of Western decadence to Nepalese accommodation, at a price that is relatively affordable. Centrally located and impeccably reviewed, it’s one of the best hotels in Kathmandu for couples. Hotel Ganish is also a great option for Digital Nomads looking to get some work done.
Shangrila Boutique Hotel – Best Digital Nomad Hostel in Kathmandu
The good thing about ‘high end’ hostels in Kathmandu is that they are still relatively cheap. So if you’re traveling solo and looking for a nice bed and shower, or with the friends and want to split the cost of a nicer room – look no further than Shangrila Boutique Hotel. Good for Digital Nomads due to decent WiFi reviews, and desks in bedrooms and around property.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More of the Best Hostels in Kathmandu
Some neighborhoods are more fun than others – discover which are the best areas to stay in Kathmandu and then book the right hostel!
Sara’s Backpacker Hostel
Family run and family owned, Sara’s Backpacker Hostel is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu for good reason. The hostel is actually on the bottom floor of their family’s home, which provides a very authentic feel to your stay. Home cooked meals are available, but unfortunately no free breakfast.
Shantipur Kathmandu Hotel
Shantipur Kathmandu is located a bit outside the city centre – which depending on what you want can be a good thing or a bad thing. No breakfast, but there is a restaurant on site that offers Nepalese, continental, and Israeli food. Also, with fiber optic wifi, the connectivity here is much better than other options in Kathmandu.
The Happily Ever After Hostel
The Happily Ever After Hostel is locally run and well reviewed. Decent beds and good wifi, you’ll end up saving extra money due to their free breakfast and free towels. Centrally located, this is one of the best cheap hostels in Kathmandu.
Avalon House KTM
Not technically a hostel, and a bit pricier, I recommend Avalon House KTM for when you are traveling with friends. Splitting the cost of a room will get you your own twin bed for an affordable price. Plus, when you add in the free breakfast and free towels, you get a decent bang for your buck.
Flock Hostel
Flock Hostel in Kathmandu is an epic spot to perch up during your stay. The beds are comfy, the on-site cafe is delicious and they have a travel desk on-site to help you bring all your travel dreams to life! There are loads of hang-out spaces, however overall, it’s not the most social of hostels.
Elbrus Home
Nothing super fancy here, which is exactly why Elbrus Home is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu for couples. The property is very clean, very quiet, and very well reviewed. The beds are comfortable, and the staff is very helpful. All of this for an affordable price and breakfast included makes Elbrus Home a top choice.
Kathmandu Madhuban Guesthouse
Less of a hostel and more of a guesthouse, Kathmandu Madhuban is one of the best options for couples traveling to Kathmandu. It’s very well reviewed, and very clean. The beds are comfortable, and the wifi is quite good. Add in a free breakfast and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the top-rated accommodations in Kathmandu.
Kwabahal Boutique Hostel
Kwabahal Boutique Hostel is one of the best hostels in Kathmandu for travellers. It’s in a bangin’ location in the centre of Katmandu (just 1km from Hanuman Dhoka). The hostel has a gorgeous outdoor terrace/ garden area where you can relax and chat with fellow travellers. The hosts here make you feel right at home <3 Plus, there is free breakfast!!
Birds Nest Hostel
If you’re looking for the chillest hostel in Kathmandu, the search is over. This hostel is an absolute dream – with a cafe on-site and an open garden area there are loads of places to chill, read or journey. Soak in the beautiful views across the city and mountains. It’s the perfect home away from home during your stay in Kathmandu.
Hostel One96
Hostel One96 is one of the best hostels for solo travelers in Kathmandu. Boasting a social environment and rooftop bar, Hostel One96 aims to connect their guests to Nepal, and are involved with a ton of local volunteering. This is a GREAT stay for vegetarians, as family-style optional dinners are held every night. Also there’s a cat on location, which is awesome.
Zen Bed and Breakfast
Zen is a bed and breakfast and a hostel – best of both worlds! With a well reviewed staff, and rooftop access, Zen Bed and Breakfast gives decent bang for your buck. Unfortunately, breakfast is not included, but there is a restaurant on site and they offer to refill water bottles (which can add up in savings!).
Shree Tibet Family Guest House
Opened and run by a Tibetan family since 1992, this is one of the longest running and best hostels in Kathmandu. The rooftop is nice and has an ‘exotic’ garden, but the real value is it’s location, customer service, and cleanliness. This is a quiet hostel, and good if you are looking for a good rest at a good price.
Sweet Dreams Hostel
Boasting free breakfast, a bar and music – what’s not to love about Sweet Dreams Hostel? Centrally located, this hostel is well reviewed and has advertises a large free breakfast. This is a quieter hostel, not as ideal for socializing, but a great way to get a good night’s rest for a decent price.
Why you should travel to Kathmandu
While there are a ton of cool hostels in Kathmandu, Alobar1000 is a fantastic choice for a decent price.
What to Pack for your Kathmandu Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
FAQ about Hostels in Kathmandu
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Kathmandu.
How much does a hostel cost in Kathmandu??
On average, expect to pay anywhere from $3 to $8 — depending on the level of comfort you go for. It’s possible to go CHEAP with hostels in Kathmandu!
What are the best hostels in Kathmandu for couples?
Hotel Ganesh Himal is our pick for best hostel for couples in Kathmandu. It is clean, centrally located, and has an onsite restaurant.
What are the best hostels in Kathmandu near the airport?
Shangrila Boutique Hotel, our pick for the best digital nomad hostel in Kathmandu, is 5.8 km from Tribhuvan International Airport.
Travel Safety Tips for Kathmandu
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
If want to learn more about staying safe in Nepal, then check out our comprehensive security guide here.
More Epic Hostels in Nepal and Asia
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Kathmandu.
Planning an epic trip all across Nepal or even Asia itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around Asia, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Kathmandu has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Kathmandu for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Kathmandu covered.
- Check out the best places to stay in Kathmandu before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Nepal backpacking guide.
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